installing wheelskins today - question?

I wonder if you are supposed to install, wait for the leather to stretch, then readjust after a day or two.

Another thing you can do is slightly warm and wet the leather then install it. Then it should shrink tight.

But I am just speaking out of my a$$ because I haven't installed one myself.

Keep us updated because I am considering buying one too.

 

I haven't installed mine yet so I can't answer your question.

But if you haven't seen it already, here's what looks like the best advice thread for installing wheelskins:

http://priuschat.com/forums/care-maintenance-troubleshooting/41304-wheelskins-tips-pics.html

 

Use a hair dryer but not to much to give you a little help..

 

Just installed mine a few days ago. It will certainly stretch enough to meet in the middle. I had planned on using a steamer when finished to really tighten it up, but now that it's on, I don't see the need. It did take quite a while, but it was well worth it.

One word of caution from my install. I took the "tight is right" to the extreme and used a pair of pliers to really get it tight all the way around. Worked great until about 2/3rds of the way around....snap. Luckily it was near a spoke and I was able to hide the knot that I had to tie in the thread. Also broke the included needle with those same pliers. Lesson learned.

All in all, it was a very easy install and worth the time it took.

Oh, and in regards to temp...I was in my unheated garage in cold NE Ohio. No problems here except cold fingers.

Good luck,

David

 

I did mine in two passes. The first time it wasn't as tight, as I didn't know how taut I could make it. After a couple of days the skin stretched a bit and I went back to redo the whole thing. It was much easier the second time around, and I also was able to make it look nicer.

Short answer is the fit should be snug and there should be no gap.

 

Try a crochet hook.

Yes, you'll need to allow the leather to relax. A warm car is good.

I laced mine for a few holes, then went back and tightened, then repeated. Then went back and tightened the whole lot. I kept going back and retightening all of the lacing until I got the leather to touch around the entire wheel sans spokes.

If I had to do it again I'd use two needles and do a herringbone stitch, like on a baseball, rather than the whip stitch they recommend.

But try the crochet hook. It makes it easy to grab the thread and tighten.

 

Not too small. I don't remember what size I used. Probably something around a "G". One size either way won't hurt. Try to get a metal, not a plastic hook.

 

It will definitely stretch, and you want it to. That way it's good and tight so it won't slide around. Take your time and use pliers to pull the needle through or your hands/fingers will get mighty tired/sore. Also. Unravel the thread fully before you start. It likes to kink as you go, so keep your eye on it. Lining up the stitches in a straight line is difficult, but if you take your time and keep it lined up as you go you can do well. I've done 30 or so of these and I got better every time. Takes me about and 30-45 min....taking my time.

Before you start, flip it inside out and remove all of the little leather punch-outs. If you don't, you'll end up with annoying little bumps everywhere.

 

I just did mine this weekend.

Follow the directions. They're pretty good.

Somethings that the directions don't cover... Stick the needle in the holes in advance of sewing as that will help you find them later. As you're going around, make sure that the seam is located where you want it to be when you assume your driving position. Use a headlamp to help find the holes on the back of the steering wheel. I ended up using my hands to tighten the string and it took more than an hour. Then again, I don't have a 1/4 inch gap anywhere. Take your time and do it right. Get some band-aids to cover the last joint of your index finger and pinky - that's where I cut up my hands a bit. Because the string does kink up, unroll the string and stretch it out before hand; and remember to occassionally unwind the string.

I've gotten rave reviews from the wife and co-workers. It's a quality product and worth it. Good luck w/yours.

 

As others have said, it will stretch if you pull hard enough. The hard part for me was pulling hard enough without hurting my hands. I was in too much of a hurry to get my new toy installed so I didn't look for gloves or go shopping for a crochet hook. My hands ached for days afterwards. I put a sock on my hand halfway the procedure to lessen the string digging into my hands/fingers and that eased the strain a bit.

 

The baseball stitch is a lot nicer. It's easier to use if you have a second needle and second cord.

 

Totally concur about the herringbone stitch. If/when I do my next one I'll be sure to do it that way.